As Ken Overholser moves into retirement this month from his role as Director of Camping & Retreat Ministries in the West Ohio Conference, we asked him to reflect back on his calling and ministry, and to share a little advice for current leaders. 

How were you called into C&R ministry?

I was available and was asked to fill a temporary position in late March 2013. Summer was coming and someone was needed to step in and take charge. I later felt called to the permanent position and applied for the position. I had previously worked with youth and children and it seemed a natural fit.

Where have you served? 

I was called into vocational ministry in 1998 during a Walk to Emmaus. I didn’t know how or where, but was ready to answer God's call. God taught me great patience until the door opened at Ginghamsburg Church. They had opened a new youth center and needed someone to oversee the outreach. I later became the Director of Student Ministries and eventually Executive Director of  Discipleship Ministries. I spent 12 years at Ginghamsburg.

Significant changes you've seen over the years in this ministry?

The start of Day Camps, vision planning for the future, and social media telling the stories of camp. Camp does change lives!

Your greatest blessings in this work?

Seeing youth come together on the camping field and seeing social justice, something they don’t see at home, in the community, or at schools.

What's one thing you're looking forward to doing in your retirement?

Being a servant, helping others and it not being my job, but a volunteer.

What's one important thing you've learned that you would like to pass along to other camp & retreat leaders?

Communication is key in almost all business/ministry models of teams and staff working together towards a common goal.

It's been a gift to have Ken as part of the UMCRM community over the years. May God continue to bless you, friend, as you move into a new life stage. Our Association would be glad to hook you up with some volunteer opportunities!